GREAT BRITAIN - Best of Europe 2014 - page 881

Train Connections from London
To Paris or Brussels via Eurostar Train
From St. Pancras International Station to: Paris (12-15/day, 2.5-3 hours), Bruges (via
Brussels: 10/day, 2.5 hours to Brussels Midi; then transfer, backtracking to Bruges: 2/hour,
1 hour, entire trip just a few dollars more with Eurostar ticket). Arrive at least 30 minutes
early; security procedures for the Eurostar are similar to airport check-in.
Eurostar Fares: Unlike most trains in Western Europe, Eurostar is not covered by rail-
passes and always requires a separate, reserved train ticket. Eurostar fares (essentially the
same between London and Paris or Brussels) vary depending on how far ahead you reserve,
whether you can live with restrictions, and whether you're eligible for any discounts (such
as those for early purchase or round-trip travel).
A one-way, full-fare ticket (with no restrictions on refundability) runs about $400
for first-class and $300 for second-class. Discounts can lower fares substantially (figure
$60-160 for second-class, one-way) for children under 12, youths under 26, seniors 60 or
older, and railpass holders. The early bird gets the best price. If you're ready to commit, you
can book tickets as early as 6-9 months in advance at www.eurostar.com .
A tour company called BritainShrinkers sells one- or two-day tours to Paris, Brussels, or
Bruges, enabling you to side-trip to these cities from London for less than most train tickets
alone.Forexample,you'llpay£129foraone-dayParis“tour”(unescortedMon-Satdaytrip
with Métro pass; tel. [phone], www.britainshrinkers.com ). This can be a particularly
good option if you need to get to Paris from London on short notice, when only the costliest
Eurostar fares are available.
Once you're confident about the time and date of your crossing, you can check and
book fares by phone or online. Ordering online through Eurostar or major agents offers a
print-at-home eticket option. You can also order by phone through Rail Europe at US tel.
800-387-6782 for home delivery before you go, or through Eurostar (tel. [phone],
priced in euros) and pick up your ticket at the train station. In Britain, tickets can be issued
only at the Eurostar office in St. Pancras International Station. In continental Europe, you
can buy your Eurostar ticket at any major train station in any country or at any travel agency
that handles train tickets (expect a booking fee). You can purchase passholder discount tick-
ets at Eurostar departure stations, through US agents, or by phone with Eurostar, but they
may be harder to get at other train stations and travel agencies, and are a discount category
that can sell out.